Looks we will do well if we target the set piece. However, if we kick the ball away as much as we did last week that back line has the capacity to really punish us. We may see a lot of high balls head our way too because that back line is quick enough to make the chase and we look a bit wobbly at the moment catching those high bombs, especially when the kick is chased effectively. Not sad that there's no Louw!

Presumably Harry was under instructions to kick away the ball long against Tiggers - if he does the same against Bath, Saints will be punished by Watson, Joseph, Roko and Bananaman. Territory and possession Saints.....territory and possession !

I suspect Harry was told to kick for territory. Also we could easily challenge their lineout. The rest of our defence was also quick to form a defence line that made it difficult for them to break it.
Let's hope we can do enough to make them worry about what we are doing rather than what they can do

Walks11but sometimes you need to kick to gain territory surely.. its where and how you kick it is the key, ie not aimlessly downfield

Harry kicking from fh gets the ball 10m higher at least than Smyler so the chase is 10m further up. The kicks against Tigs were not aimless and only on one occasion did we give them a ball they could really run back at us. Personally I think we should make more yards again st the Bath pack away with so many ball carriers so I only expect targeted attacking kicks not poor defensive ones. Kicking also keeps the opposition backs honest.

I think I read somewhere that Courtney and Dylan have a big input in training and have increased intensity-
Good news if true
If so no surprise that Courtney leads the team
Probably more a 'follow me' leadership style reminiscent of Martin Johnson than a Will Carling type
I think this will be a close one
But looking forward to it

Some great matchups across the teams there, should be a cracker. Lawes as captain will be interesting... if the whole team bring his intensity to tackling, Bath will want to get rid of it pretty quickly.

Shame no Louw, always enjoy seeing him play. And keen to see how Harrison goes against Falatou, a quality 8... will his aggression and speed trump Falatou's class, guile and experience?

Dee, Courtney and Dylan have been very helpful and inspirational to young David Ribbans which I think is great. They pass on lots from what they learn in the England camp apart from general support. I'm very impressed with how Courts has developed as an inspiration to the rest of the team and look forward to his captaincy.

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